Posts published in February 2003

When RODEO HOUSTON debuts in Reliant Stadium in 2003, more fans than ever will be able to take in the diverse lineup of music sensations that will be on the rotating stage closer than ever to the crowd.

The slate of 32 stars boasts an impressive list of honors including a total of 31 Grammy awards and twice that many Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music awards. Two of the musicians have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and one entertainer has been inducted into three national music halls of fame. And, just this week, four of these entertainers were honored with American Music Awards.

The lineup of music industry stars currently scheduled to perform at the 71st Houston Livestock Show and RodeoTM from Feb. 25 to March 16 includes:

All weekday performances begin at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday performances begin at 4 p.m. Each performance begins immediately with rodeo events, continues with the calf scramble and grand salute, and ends with the concert entertainer.

Reliant Stadium features 10,000 more seats for Rodeo than Reliant Astrodome, and the front row in Reliant Stadium, the in-your-face Action Seats, is only 87 feet from the concert stage. No matter where fans are in the stadium, the performances in 2003 offer a variety to delight most musical tastes.

Because of the nature of the event, there will be no restriction on backpacks, purses and other bags, but for increased security, everyone entering Reliant Park, and/or their possessions, may be subject to search. Anyone refusing to be searched will be denied access. No alcohol, guns or knives will be allowed to be into the grounds, and food and drink may not be carried in to Reliant Stadium.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is supported by many sources but is especially proud to have Reliant Energy, Ford, Coca-Cola, Gallery Furniture and Miller Lite as 2003 Heritage Partners.

Fans can catch rodeo action during any of the 20 daily performances featuring outstanding PRCA/ProRodeo action in the worlds largest rodeo, the worlds largest calf scramble, chuck wagon races, in4oor fireworks and concert entertainment. Only the top 60 cowboys and cowgirls in the world are invited to compete in RODEO HOUSTONs seven ProRodeo and WPRA events  bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping and tie-down roping. The RODEO HOUSTON finals will be on Sunday, March 16.

The Thursday, March 6, RODEO HOUSTON performance will be a special presentation of only bull riding, presented by 100.3 KILT, with 30 contestants competing and 15 advancing to the evenings second round, so fans will see an exciting 45 bull rides. The bull riding performance will include the calf scramble, grand salute and concert by Clay Walker.

There will be limited parking available at Reliant Park during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Pre-sold only through Ticketmaster and not available on site or through will call, Reserve Day Pass parking is available for $14 plus a convenience charge. These spaces, located west of Kirby Drive and accessible from Main Street, are very limited and include in-and-out privileges.As the cheapest and easiest way to reach the Show, the Rodeo METRO Express will provide transportation for Show visitors from eight shuttle locations throughout Houston. Round-trip transportation on the shuttle is $2 for riders ages 13 and older and free for those ages 12 and younger.

The Rodeo METRO Express is sponsored by Ford and Your Texas Ford Dealers.

From the northwest, riders can catch the shuttles at Delmar Stadium and METRO North Shepherd Park and Ride. In the southeast, the METRO Monroe Park and Ride serves as a pick-up and drop-off location. The Aramco Services Company at 9009 West Loop South, METRO West Loop Park and Ride and METRO Westwood Park and Ride will serve patrons on the southwest side. Centrally located, the Minute Maid Park B and C Lots and Reed Road HLS&R Park and Ride will offer longer hours of operation than the other locations. Each lot is serviced by METRO lift buses.

Rodeo METRO Express service will begin for the Worlds Championship Bar-B-Que Contest Feb. 20-22.The Reed Road HLS&R lot will run from 5 am. to 2 a.m. all three days. All other lots will run from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, and Friday, Feb. 21, and from 9 am. to 1 am. on Saturday, Feb. 22.

The last in-bound bus at all locations during the barbecue contest will depart for Reliant Park at 9:30 each evening.

Daily shuttle service to and from Reliant Park will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 25. The Reed Road HLS&R lot will have continuous shuttle service from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. All other lots will operate from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Monday through Thursday; 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Rodeo tickets are $14, plus a Ticketmaster convenience charge, and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets including Foleys, Fiesta and Wherehouse Music locations. Ticket sales will begin Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m., CST. Tickets will be sold on the Internet at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets may be charged by phone at 713-629-3700. Tickets will not be sold at Reliant Park on Saturday, Jan. 18 or Sunday, Jan. 19. Tickets may be purchased at Reliant Park beginning Monday Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. at the south Reliant Stadium ticket windows. On Saturday, Jan. 18, only, tickets to the performances on Feb. 25 with George Strait and on March 3 with Tim McGraw will be limited to 10 tickets per person.

Most Ticketmaster locations in the Houston area will be distributing linestubs beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 18. Drawings will be held at each of the locations at approximately 9:30 a.m. to determine the linestub number that will start the line for ticket purchases at these locations.

At all ticket locations, linestubs will be available only to persons ages 12 and older, and each person will receive only one linestub. Linestubs that have been tampered with will not be honored.

Ticket buyers should be aware that the only Show-authorized ticket outlets are at the Reliant Park box office and all Ticketmaster outlets.

Ticketmaster will be selling carnival value packs by phone Saturday, Jan. 18, through Friday, Feb. 14. This approximate $20-value pack may be purchased for only $10. Also available for purchase through Ticketmaster are BP Worlds Championship Bar-B-Que Contest tickets and Houston Livestock ShowTM season passes. VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express cards will be accepted by Ticketmaster and at Reliant Park. American Express will not be accepted at Foleys.

The 2003 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo opens its inaugural year at the new Reliant Park with the BP Worlds Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, Feb. 20-22, and Go Texan Weekend events on Feb. 22- 23. The Rodeo Parade and ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run will be held in downtown Houston Saturday, Feb. 22.

All daily attractions at Reliant Park open at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, and conclude on Sunday, March 16.

For additional information regarding the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Shows Web site is available 24 hours a day at www.rodeohouston.com or www.hlsr.com.

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Yipppeeeee! You all will never guess what your ole wrangler went and done! Last weekend, I went an got hitched! Yep. Swore Id never do THAT again, but the cutest little filly you ever saw plum stole my heart and we went and done it! In case you cant tell, I am one happy buckaroo!

The Boss at the newspaper said hed put a pitcher of Miss Judy in the paper for you all to see, (but try and have one of just her). Well, I cant say as I blame him there, so he may have a pitcher of her somewhere in this paper for you to see. Shes a school marm and will be retirin in May after twenty nine years in the Tyler/Kilgore area. (If you see us out somewhere, dont tell her how worthless I am, as I would like to keep her!)

Well, I no sooner headed back to Houston from Tyler than I had to drive to San Antonio Monday night. Well, you guessed it, the ice storm hit while I was gettin there and the storm froze the whole darn city. I-10 from San Antone to Fort Stockton was closed till Wednesday. Boy, did I miss my new bride back in Tyler, where she was froze in, too. She stayed cause she had to finish teaching those kids this semester.

Theres a lot goin on you might want to note, such as March 2nd bein Texas Independence Day, the day Texas declared her independence from Mexico. Well be up in good ole Luckenbach performing and getting re-hitched for some of my pards who couldnt come to the weddin. If you dont have nothing to do come on up! Good music, great folks and lotsa fun all day Saturday in Luckenbach, Texas!

Please, dont forget March 6th. Thats a very special day in our Texas history and very important to your wrangler, as I am a relative of Davy Crockett. March 6th, 1836, the day that the fortress Alamo fell. My eyes well up and my heart swells every March 6th, as I remember the sacrifice of those brave souls who gave us the gift of their lives so that we could have the great State of Texas. God Bless the defenders of the Alamo!

Then, later in the month, there is a great day of free family fun down in Wharton, called Shanghai Days. Thats only about an hour south of here on highway 59. Starts at about ten thirty and its a whole day of cowboy singin, storytellin, poetry, ropin, gunfights, fiddlin contests, food, crafts and so much more youll just have to see it for yourself. Trust your pard and dont miss this one, rain or shine!

I wish I had more space to talk to you all. Maybe we could have another little show in Crosby some evening where we could have us a good time and enjoy some stories and stuff! I may try and see about that. Hows that sound to you all? Let me know.

Well, I see Charlie left the darn gate open again (they must not teach that in Georgia)!

You all have a good time this weekend and come up to Luckenbach, ifn you get a chance, and, till we meet again, Happy Trails, Lloyd

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The Urban Design Committee of the Aldine Community Improvement District (ACID) met Thursday with representatives from the Harris County Flood Control District. They discussed the possibility of a partnership to create recreation areas in the Lauder Road Detention Basin.

ACID is interested in shaping this area for hike and bike trails, soccer fields, ball fields, and more, said ACID Chairman, Clyde Bailey.

The Lauder Road detention basin is part of a master plan to reduce area flooding. Its completion is scheduled for 2006 and will cost an estimated $5 million.

The Flood Control Districts charter only permits the agency to create detention basins, not community facilities in them. Thats why we dig these big holes and dont do much with them, said Chris Lampley, Precinct 1 Project Coordinator for the Harris County Flood Control District.

Lampley explained that dry bottom basins, like the Lauder Road project, are useable most of the year. Rather than let this land sit idle, the Flood Control District wanted partners to build recreation facilities. Lampley said, The need for recreation facilities in different parts of the city is there.

Lampley described how ACID could create design ideas that the Flood Control District would implement as they dig. We create the molds so to speak, Lampley said.

Partnership for such projects is new for the Flood Control District. Currently, they are working with the Parks Department on the Keith-Weiss Park basins. The project is estimated at $15 million dollars and will incorporate trails, fishing ponds, wading ponds, and wildlife habitats. Lampley said, Its going to be a showplace.Committee members expressed interest in a partnership. Bailey predicted that there will be a proposal at the next ACID meeting to work with the Flood Control District on the Lauder Road basin.

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Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. founder and executive director, Sylvia Bolling, recently received three awards for her work with the community center. In mid-February, North Harris College awarded Bolling its Community Leadership Award. On February 21, Bolling was one of four recognized by METRO as an outstanding African-American Honoree. The Iota Phi Lambda sorority will name Bolling their Outstanding Woman of the Year on March 7. Bolling appreciates these awards because of what it means to the organization. She said, They validate to the world what were doing and allows more people to see Aldine Y.O.U.T.H.

Bolling is humble about the praise, and said she should not receive all the credit for the centers success. Its not Sylvia Bolling herself. Its God. Mine is just the name God chose in order to let other people know what He can do. I could not do it if He did not send the right people to nurture the vision, she said.

These recent awards add to a long list of accolades Bolling has received in the last ten years. Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. is a grassroots non-profit organization. Its mission is to empower positive change in the lives of youth and their families through partnerships with businesses, agencies, schools, churches, and volunteers. Bolling originally started the organization out of her own home. She and her daughters put up hand-made flyers and held activities in the libraries and parks. We had nothing the world said we needed to have, Bolling said.

Bolling quit her job as a speech pathologist to fulfill her vision. In 1990, she incorporated Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. In 1995, they purchased their building and 6.8 acres of land. Four years later, they celebrated when they paid off the mortgage. The first paid staff member came on board three and a half years ago. Now there is a staff of four.

There is no stopping Bolling who believes in always moving forward. I tell them, If the light bill is not paid, bring your flashlights. We are not stopping.

Bollings ultimate vision is to use more of the 6.8 acres to create a large community center. She believes the recent awards will help to complete that goal.

These awards will bring Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. to the next level, she said. Bolling hopes her success will be an inspiration to others. I want this to be a testimony to other grassroots people who have great visions but the world says you cant do it. It can be done, but you have to wait on Gods timing and be faithful, said Bolling.

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Congressman Gene Green continued his series of Town Meeting last Saturday, with a group of interested citizens meeting at the High Meadows Library.

Topics that he presented included discussion of the possible war with Iraq, the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and education funding.

Musing on Iraq, Green noted that the world is just not a friendly place, and therefore we must act to protect ourselves as necessary.

Topics that were raised by the audience included current high level of unemployment, and many recent layoffs, tax cuts and their meaning, prescription drug policies of the government, floods and flood insurance, crime victims rights, and double taxation policies of the federal government.

Green listened to those who had recently lost their jobs, and mentioned that one large employer in his district, Abitibi paper mill, has closed completely. A member of the audience said she worked for many years for K-Mart, and now has no job and no benefits. Green is applying for additional monies for some of these laid-off workers, and is especially interested in directing them to retraining programs.

Many in the audience seemed concerned about health benefits, and prescription drug policies of the government. One person mentioned that their monthly bill for medicine was over $990 dollars, and was not covered by Medicare. Another had a monthly bill exceeding $500. Green is in favor of including prescriptions in Medicare, and is working toward that goal, he said.

Another major issue raised by several attendees was the problem of flooding in the area. Some wanted to know what was being done to prevent future floods, others wanted to know if reimbursements were available for damage already experienced. Green mentioned flood retention and park plans that were underway for Greens Bayou, which is a federal program, and Halls Bayou, a county jurisdiction. Specifically, a retention pond will be built at Weiss Park, near Aldine Westfield Road.

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HOUSTON– Five students from the Aldine district were among several hundred outstanding students that were honored last week by the Harris County Dept. of Education, in their annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

These awards are part of a national program, sponsored by Scholastic magazine, that recognizes students and teachers for their creative talents. Prejudged student work is submitted by the students teacher, and then is again juried by local scholars for the awards.

Locally, Harris County Dept. of Education accepted 1072 pieces of art, and 449 pre-juried writing entries. All public and private schools, and home schooled children are eligible to submit.

Three levels of regional awards are given: Pinson Portfolio Awards, Gold Keys, and Silver Keys. The top two categories will go on to New York to be judged nationally, and then invited to Washington, DC for an awards ceremony in June.

Also receiving the top award, the Pinson Writing Portfolio Award, was the daughter of the NorthEast News publishers. Kristan Hoffman, a student at HISDs Bellaire High School, read from her work at the awards ceremony. The award recognizes excellence in writing as well as commitment to the sustained effort necessary to produce an exemplary body of work, according to the judges.

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ALDINE– Fifteen Aldine ISD senior football players saw their years of hard work and dedication in the classroom and on the field rewarded on Wednesday, Feb. 5, when they signed national letters of intent.

Eisenhower High and Nimitz High led the way as six players at both schools earned college scholarships. MacArthur High had two players sign, while Aldine High had one.

Eisenhower High head football coach Richard Carson told a group of happy parents and players who gathered on signing day that this was a day they should never forget.

Its a very special deal to be able to sign. All of you guys are special to us and we are proud of you for the hard work you put in to get here, Carson said. But remember, not too many guys make it to the NFL, so use this opportunity youve been handed to get a college education. Thats the most important thing you have in front of you. Youve also got a job to be ambassadors for Eisenhower High School.

Eagles who signed scholarships on National Signing Day were defensive tackle Martin Thompson, who inked with Stephen F. Austin State University, offensive lineman Elijah Simon, who signed with Sam Houston State University and defensive end Oscar Scott and linebacker Kevin Blackshire, who both signed with Moorehouse College in Atlanta, GA. Also signing scholarships were offensive lineman Billy Foster and wide receiver Michael Glover, who both signed with Blinn College.Carson said he hopes to have three to four more players sign at a later date.

Nimitz High head football coach Randy Rowe said the six Cougars who signed had reached an important milestone in their lives.

This is a very special milestone in the lives of these six young men, who have worked hard academically and athletically year round to reach this goal of having their college education provided for them, Rowe said.

I know they will continue to work hard and make us and their families proud.

The Nimitz players who signed were offensive tackle Joseph Joseph, who signed with Louisiana Monroe, offensive tackle Josh Bass, who signed with McNeese State, and wide receiver DeWayne Bloodsaw, defensive tackle LaMonte Johnson, and defensive end Mack McCray, who all signed with Texas Southern University. Defensive back Julius Clebourne has a number of offers on the table, but has yet to make his final choice.

MacArthur High had two players sign, as defensive back Jamal Mosley signed with Sam Houston State University and fellow defensive back Chris Ellis signed on with Texas Southern University.

Aldine High had one player sign, as quarterback/defensive back Brandon Green signed with Blinn College.

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CAMPBELL CENTER– The Aldine community showed its support for AISD FFA (Future Farmers of America) students by pledging $78,695 for various individual and group projects during the 44th Annual Project Show and Country Fair, held Jan. 29-31 at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center.

We cant thank our community enough for the support they showed these students for all of their hard work, said Franklin Higgins, director of career and technology education. This years show saw an increase of close to $15,000 from the 2002 show.

Thats outstanding considering the current state of the economy. But it just goes to show the wonderful support Aldine ISD receives from this generous community.

Ashley Gonzales of Eisenhower High School raised the grand champion steer, which was purchased by the Aldine Buyers Group for $10,000. The reserve grand champion steer was raised by Sarah Vitanza of Nimitz High School and was purchased by Myrex Industries for $8,750.

The grand champion pig was raised by Kelli Taylor of Nimitz High School and was purchased by Kidd Pipeline & Specialties Inc. for $2,300, while the reserve grand champion pig was raised by Bryan Doswell of Eisenhower High and was also purchased by Kidd Pipeline & Specialties Inc for $1,000.

The grand champion lamb was raised by Vitanza of Nimitz High and was purchased by W.G. Burchfield & Bro. For $1,600, while Gonzales of Eisenhower High raised the reserve grand champion lamb, which was purchased by Triple K Roofing for $700.

The grand champion goat was raised by Taylor of Nimitz High and was purchased by the Aldine Optimist Club for $1,600, while the reserve grand champion goat was raised by Pat Guillen of MacArthur High School and was purchased by W.G. Burchfield & Bro. for $1,000.

The grand champion fryer rabbits were raised by Candice Catino of Nimitz High School and were purchased by First Southwest Company for $1,100, while the reserve grand champion fryer rabbits were raised by Jenny Myers of Nimitz High School and were purchased by Beasley Tire Services, Inc. for $850.

The grand champion broiler rabbits were raised by Myers of Nimitz High and were purchased by Component Sales & Services, Inc. for $1,000, while the reserve grand champion broilers were raised by Clayton Weikel of Nimitz High and were purchased by Republic Central Realty, Inc. for $750.

The grand champion turkey Tom was raised by Myers of Nimitz High School and was purchased by Big Tex Condition & Heating for $1,000, while the reserve grand champion turkey Tom was raised by Catino of Nimitz High School and was purchased by Triple K Roofing for $600.

The grand champion turkey hen was raised by Myers of Nimitz High School and was purchased by U.S. Congressman Gene Green for $1,000, while the reserve grand champion turkey hen was raised by Catino of Nimitz High School and was purchased by the Superintendents Group for $650.

The grand champion horticulture project was produced by Lisa Matthews of Aldine High School and was purchased by Component Sales & Services for $900, while the reserve grand champion horticulture project was produced by Connie Guillen of MacArthur High School and was also purchased by Component Sales and Services for $500.

The grand champion scholarship cake was baked by Eisenhower High School and was purchased by Reeves State Farm Insurance for $500, while the reserve grand champion scholarship cake was baked by MacArthur High School and was purchased by Firesafe for $400.

All of the money raised by AISD FFA students is theirs to use to either pay for college or to fund their FFA projects for the 2003-04 school year.

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ALDINE– The ACID, or Improvement District, at their last meeting on January 21st, took action to hire an engineer to work with TxDOT on safety improvements on Aldine Mail Route. The consultant, Hawes Hill and Associates, was authorized to negotiate the engineers contract for the purpose of initiating the design work.

After four fatalities in the last year, it was determined at a special meeting with State Rep. Kevin Bailey in December that a previously approved state grant could be used for some of the work of improving sidewalks, drainage, and lighting, and that this work was urgently needed to upgrade the safety for pedestrians along the streets in this area, especially in the area of MacArthur High School and walks east and west of that location. TxDOT is planning the design from Gloger Road to US59 on the east.

The District also moved to contact CenterPoint electric, to negotiate immediate improvements in the lighting on this stretch of Aldine Mail Route, a length of about a mile. Hawes Hill was also authorized to investigate issuing the hiring of a financial adviser, who will study the feasability of issuing bonds to pay for the improvements, since the expected costs may exceed $3,000,000. Several projects may be included, since the sales tax money could support as much as $10,000,000 in work, according to Bill Caulderon of Hawes Hill.

Halls Bayou GreenwayIn another improvement action, the Board moved to support the Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant application for a trails and flood control project for Halls Bayou and surrounding areas. The ACID committment is for $31,000 for connecting trails to schools, parks and Greens Bayou and Crowley Park. These funds will be combined and leveraged with other collaborators, for a total of $120,000 in matching funds. The total grant application is for $1,5000,000 of improvements from TPWD for public recreational and stormwater detention facilities in the Aldine area.